Showing posts with label devotion. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

🌿 Bless Him by Being Real - Devotion

This Art Is For This Post Only

🌿 Bless Him by Being Real

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts…” — Psalm 51:6 (KJV)

One of the greatest gifts you can offer God is your honesty.

Not the polished version of yourself.
Not the Sunday‑morning smile that hides the week’s battles.
Not the “I’m fine” you tell others when your heart is breaking.

God is not blessed by pretend perfection.
He is blessed by truth.

David — a man after God’s own heart — was not perfect. He stumbled, he wept, he failed, he feared. But he blessed the Lord by coming to Him real, knowing you need God in your life in humility.

“I poured out my complaint before him;
I shewed before him my trouble.” — Psalm 142:2 (KJV)

God already knows the truth.
He simply wants you to bring it to Him.

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Confession

“Search me, O God, and know my heart…” — Psalm 139:23 (KJV)

When you admit your struggles, your weaknesses, your temptations, and your sins to God, you bless God with a heart that refuses to hide.

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Praise

“I will praise thee with my whole heart.” — Psalm 138:1 (KJV)

Whole‑hearted praise is not half‑hearted performance.
It is real, sincere, and rooted in truth.

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Dependence

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart…” — Psalm 73:26 (KJV)

Being real means admitting you can’t do everything or anything on your own. We are to do things with his help and guidance.
It means leaning on Him when you feel weak.
It means trusting Him when you don’t understand.

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Living

“Providing for honest things…” — 2 Corinthians 8:21 (KJV)

A life of integrity blesses God.
A life that matches your words blesses God.
A life that is the same in private as in public blesses God.

Real faith is lived, not a show - genuine

🌟 A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me bless You by being real.
Give me the strength to be successful.
Teach me to walk in honesty, humility, and truth.
Let my life — seen and unseen — bring You glory.
In Christs Name Amen

©2026 Susan Barker Nikitenko — MBGeoANNABENPBKBMNRMPM #1001 bs

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Monday, March 23, 2026

🌿 Bless Him with Actions Devotion

The Picture Is for This Post Only

🌿 Bless Him with Actions

“Let your light so shine before men…” — Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

It is one thing to say we love the Lord.
It is another thing entirely to show it.

Scripture teaches that our actions preach louder than our voices ever could. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). A life that blesses God is a life that lives out His goodness in everyday moments.

To bless Him with actions means:

choosing kindness when irritation feels easier
offering forgiveness when hurt tries to take root
serving quietly when no one is watching
loving people who cannot repay you
obeying God even when it costs something

These are the moments heaven sees.
These are the choices that bless the heart of God.

🌟 1. Bless Him With Obedience

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (KJV)

Obedience is not a burden — it is a gift we give back to the One who saved us.
Every time you choose His way over your own, you bless Him.

🌟 2. Bless Him With Compassion

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted…” — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

Compassion is one of the clearest reflections of Christ.
A gentle word, a helping hand, a patient spirit — these actions shine His love into the world.

🌟 3. Bless Him With Faithfulness

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)

Faithfulness in the small things blesses God deeply.
He sees every quiet act of devotion, every unseen sacrifice, every steady step of trust.

🌟 4. Bless Him With Praise in Motion

“Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.” — Psalm 150:6 (KJV)

Praise is not only a song — it is a lifestyle.
When your actions reflect gratitude, humility, and joy, you are praising Him with your life.

🌟 A Simple Prayer

Lord, help me bless You not only with my lips,
but with my life.
Let my actions reflect Your love,
my choices honor Your name,
and my steps shine Your light.
May everything I do be a blessing to You. Amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© MBAnnaBenKbpbRmnmPmPreacGeo #1000 a

Sunday, March 1, 2026

God Made the Snowy Owl: Devotion Goes with Story or Alone

This Work Sheet Is for This Lesson Only

God Made the Snowy Owl: Devotion Goes with Story or Alone

God Made the Snowy Owl: A Devotion on Creation and Salvation

The forest in early spring is a place where the heart grows quiet. Snow melts beneath tall evergreens, streams rush with new strength, and sunlight glitters like scattered diamonds across the water. In moments like these, creation seems to breathe out praise. The children in the story felt it—an unspoken invitation to pause, listen, and marvel. Scripture tells us why: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1, KJV). Creation is God’s artwork, and every part of it points back to Him.

Wonder That Leads to Worship

As the children walked with their uncle, they learned that observing creation is not separate from faith—it is part of loving the Creator. The Snowy Owl they hoped to see became a symbol of God’s wisdom. Its thick feathers, silent wings, and golden eyes were not accidents of nature but intentional design. “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all” (Psalm 104:24, KJV). When we study creation, we are studying the fingerprints of God.

Small Reminders of a Great God

Even the soft Snowy Owl puppet in the gift shop became a gentle reminder that God is near in both grand and simple moments. A warm lodge, a cup of cocoa, a child’s laughter—these are gifts from the same God who carved mountains and set stars in place. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, KJV). He meets us in quiet places, teaching us to see His goodness in all things.

A Holy Moment in the North

When the children finally saw a real Snowy Owl in Alaska—white, still, and magnificent—the moment felt sacred. The tundra stretched wide and silent, and the owl sat like a living testimony to God’s creativity. Their uncle’s words were simple: “God equips every creature for its purpose.” And if He cares so carefully for an owl, how much more does He care for the souls He created in His own image?

The children’s awe echoed the psalmist’s praise: “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9, KJV). Creation had become a classroom, and the Snowy Owl a teacher pointing them toward the Maker.

The Greatest Wonder: The God Who Made the Owl Also Died to Save Us

Creation shows us God’s power, beauty, and wisdom—but it cannot save us. The rushing streams, the mountains, the owls, the forests—they all point to a deeper truth: we need more than wonder; we need redemption.

Sin separates us from the God who made us. No amount of goodness, kindness, or effort can wash away the stain of sin. Only one thing could—the pure, sinless blood of Jesus Christ.

The same God who shaped the Snowy Owl with perfect design stepped into His own creation, took on flesh, and willingly went to the cross. His blood was not ordinary blood. It was holy, spotless, undefiled—the only sacrifice able to cleanse the human heart.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
—1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV)

At Calvary, the Creator became the Savior.
At the cross, the God of wonder became the God of mercy.
Through His resurrection, He became the God of eternal life.

A Beautiful Invitation to Christ

Just as the children leaned in with awe to see the Snowy Owl, God invites every person to lean in and behold something far greater—the love of Jesus Christ poured out on the cross.

His invitation is simple, tender, and full of grace:

Come with your sin and your need.
Believe that Jesus died and rose again for you.
Trust His pure blood to cleanse your heart.
Receive the gift of eternal life He freely offers.

The God who made the mountains, the streams, and the Snowy Owl is calling you to Himself. He wants you to know Him—not just as Creator, but as Redeemer, Friend, and Savior.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
—Romans 10:13 (KJV)

A Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the way it stirs our hearts to worship. But thank You even more for the gift of salvation through the pure, precious blood of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to see our need, open our hearts to believe, and draw us close to Yourself. May every snowy field, every rushing stream, and every creature You have made remind us of Your love and Your invitation to come. Amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© MBANNA BENPBKBRMNMPMM 343211 #45

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Devotional Story: “The Pink Umbrella and the Promise”

Scripture Focus: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

Lila was only seven when her big sister Maren passed away. Maren had been her hero—bold, kind, and always ready with a story or a silly song. They shared secrets, sidewalk chalk masterpieces, and rainy-day walks under Maren’s favorite pink umbrella. When Maren died suddenly, the world felt gray. Lila didn’t want to go outside. She didn’t want to laugh. She didn’t want to remember.

One rainy afternoon, Lila sat curled on the couch, staring at the umbrella leaning in the corner. Her mother knelt beside her and gently brushed the hair from her face. “Sweetheart,” she whispered, “I know it hurts. I miss her too. But mourning doesn’t mean forgetting—it means loving someone so much that your heart needs time to heal.”

Lila looked up, tears brimming. “But I don’t feel blessed. I just feel broken.”

Her mother nodded, eyes soft. “Jesus said, ‘Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.’ That means He sees your sorrow, and He promises to meet you in it. Comfort isn’t always loud—it’s quiet, like a hug, a memory, or a walk in the rain.”

Later that day, Lila found a note tucked inside her sock drawer. It was written in Maren’s loopy handwriting:

“Dear Little Star, if you ever feel lost, follow the raindrops. I’ll be there—laughing, loving, and walking beside you. Take the umbrella. It still works.”

With trembling hands, Lila opened the umbrella and stepped outside. The rain was soft, like heaven’s tears. She walked to the bakery, just like they used to. Mrs. Delaney saw her and smiled through tears. “You look just like your sister,” she said. “She used to say rain was God’s way of watering our smiles.”

That night, Lila told her mom about the note. Her mother held her close and whispered, “That’s comfort, baby. That’s Jesus keeping His promise.”

Supporting Scriptures (KJV)

Psalm 147:3 — “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Isaiah 66:13 — “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you…”
John 14:18 — “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

Tip of the Day

Let grief speak—but don’t let it silence love. Comfort often comes in small, sacred ways. Be open to them.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank You for seeing our sorrow and calling us blessed in it. For every child who mourns, for every heart that aches, be near. Let Your comfort come gently—through memories, through kindness, through Your Word. Teach us to walk through grief with grace, and to carry love forward even when it hurts. Thank You for the promise that we shall be comforted. Amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko Sept.10th, 2025© MBCopRMNMPMKBPBGEOV565*

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The Case of the Missing Joy

Above is a picture of Carl in his older age and Robby, who changes his appearance. His ears were tucked in in this drawing. He looks like a regular robot here.

🕵️‍♂️ The Case of the Missing Joy

Main Verse:
"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." —Hebrews 12:15 (KJV)

Detective Carl the Forest Ranger was on the case. Joy had vanished from the forest choir. Robby Robot’s tail wasn’t wagging. Grizly Grace was growling again. Even Giggly Gwen had stopped giggling. Something was wrong. Carl pulled out his magnifying glass and sniffed the air. “This smells like a root problem,” he said.

Sure enough, behind the choir stand, a gnarly, twisted root had pushed up through the ground. It was thick, stubborn, and ugly. “Bitterness Root,” Carl muttered. “One of the hardest to dig out.” Robby beeped in agreement. “Warning: joy levels critically low.” The critters gathered around, staring at the root. “Where did it come from?” asked Gwen. Carl scratched his head. “It started small. A little grumble here, a little jealousy there. But now it’s choking the joy.”

Bitterness is sneaky like that. It starts with a hurt feeling, a disappointment, or a grudge. We don’t deal with it, so it grows underground. And before we know it, it’s tangled around our thoughts, squeezing out joy. Just like in gardening, digging out a root takes work. You can’t just snap the top off. You’ve got to get down deep.

In everyday life, this might look like forgiving someone who didn’t say sorry. Or letting go of a grudge that’s been sitting in your heart for weeks. Or asking God to help you stop replaying that moment when things felt unfair. It’s not easy. But it’s worth it. Because once that root is gone—joy comes rushing back like sunlight through the trees.

Carl and Robby worked together with a shovel of Scripture and a spade of prayer. It took time. It took teamwork. But finally, the root came loose. The choir stand lifted. Gwen giggled. Robby beeped a praise tune. And Grizly Grace baked muffins again. “Joy restored,” Carl said with a smile. “Case closed.”

Thought of the Day:
Joy doesn’t disappear by accident. Sometimes it gets tangled in roots of bitterness. Dig deep with God’s help—and let joy grow again.

Bible Reading:
Hebrews 12:14–17 (KJV) — A powerful reminder to pursue peace and guard against bitterness taking root.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me dig out any root of bitterness hiding in my heart. Show me where I’ve held onto hurt or anger. Give me strength to forgive, courage to let go, and joy that grows deep and strong. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko August 2025© MRMPBANNABENMBCOB^5454333>***

--------------------------------------------

Grizly Grace and The Tude Trap "Devotion"

🙃 “The Tude Trap”

Main Verse:
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings." —Philippians 2:14 (KJV)

Grizly Grace was having a day. First, her honey jar was empty. Then she stepped in a puddle. And to top it off, Carl the Forest Ranger told her she couldn’t growl at the choir anymore. “I’m not growling,” she snapped. “I’m expressing myself!” But Robby Robot just beeped and handed her a sticker that said “Attitude Adjustment in Progress.”

Grace stomped off, muttering about how unfair everything was. But as she passed the forest mirror (the one that shows your heart, not your fur), she gasped. Her reflection looked like a thundercloud with eyebrows! “That’s not me,” she said. But the mirror didn’t lie. Her attitude had turned her into a walking storm.

Now, you might not be a bear with a growl problem, but we all fall into the Tude Trap sometimes. Maybe your cereal got soggy, or your sibling took the last cookie, or your teacher gave you extra homework. Suddenly, your mood shifts. You sigh. You snap. You stew. And just like that, you’re wearing the stormy glasses of negativity.

But here’s the thing: a negative attitude doesn’t just affect you—it spreads. It’s like glitter spilled in a carpet. One grumble leads to another, and soon everyone’s stuck in the gloom. That’s why Philippians 2:14 tells us to do everything without complaining or arguing. Not just chores. Not just school. Everything.

God doesn’t expect us to be fake-happy robots. He knows life gets hard. But He does invite us to trust Him even when things go sideways. When we choose gratitude over grumbling, we start to see the good stuff again. Like how soggy cereal means you had breakfast. Or how extra homework means you’re learning. Or how your sibling… well, okay, that one’s still tough. 😄

Grizly Grace eventually came back to the choir with a tray of honey muffins and a softer voice. “Sorry for the storm,” she said. “I’m working on my tude.” And Robby beeped, “Reboot successful.” So next time you feel the grumble rising, pause and ask: What glasses am I wearing right now? Then swap them for God’s perspective—and watch the storm clear.

Thought of the Day:
A bad attitude makes everything look worse. But God’s truth helps you see the good—even when things go wrong.

Bible Reading:
Philippians 2:12–16 (KJV) — A powerful reminder to shine as lights in the world, without murmuring or disputing.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me recognize when my attitude is turning sour. Teach me to trust You when things don’t go my way. Give me a heart of gratitude and a voice that speaks kindness. And when I forget, gently remind me to reboot with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko August 2025© MRMPBANNABENMBCOB^54543

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

A Father, A Son, and A Lamb: A Devotional Story Inspired by Genesis 22 & John 3:16

The coloring pages stay with the stories and are to be used

for this story only unless you ask permission.

🌿 A Father, A Son, and A Lamb: A Devotional Story Inspired by Genesis 22 & John 3:16

God’s deep love and plan for redemption through Jesus.

Abraham and Isaac walked together beneath the quiet sky. The wind whispered through the trees, and the boy carried wood for the fire. He looked up at his father and asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham's heart trembled. He didn’t fully understand what God was doing—but he trusted Him completely. “My son,” he said softly, “God will provide himself a lamb.” (Genesis 22:8, KJV)

Just like Isaac didn’t know what was coming, we don’t always understand God's plan. But one thing is clear: we’re all born with something broken inside—it's called sin. Sin isn’t just about doing something wrong; it’s about being separated from God. Every person, young and old, has sinned. Jesus knew this. That's why, whether He was talking to fishermen, children, or Pharisees, He never avoided the truth. He spoke with love—but He also spoke with clarity. He said we must turn away from our sin and believe.

That’s why Jesus came—He is the Lamb God provided for us. Just like the ram in the thicket saved Isaac from being sacrificed, Jesus saves us from the punishment our sin deserves. He didn’t deserve the cross, but He chose it because of His love for us. John 3:16 says it all: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” That’s the heart of Abraham’s story—it shines forward into Jesus’ story, and now into ours.

When we admit our sin and believe in Jesus, something beautiful happens. He forgives us, washes our hearts clean, and makes us part of His forever family. It's not because we're good—but because He's good. And just like the stars God showed Abraham, too many to count, that’s how many hearts God longs to reach.

Today, you may feel far from God, or unsure what comes next. But the same God who met Abraham on the mountain is reaching for you now. He provided a lamb for Abraham—and He provided Jesus for you. That’s how much He loves you.

The question now is this: will you trust Him? He’s waiting with love, forgiveness, and forever hope. And when you walk with Him, the journey—like Abraham’s—is never alone.

Susan Barker Nikitenko July15, 2025© MBNMRMANNABENPMKBPBMBGN987%%$

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Blessed Are the Peacemakers Lesson Story, Poem, Song, Coloring

Print Only

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

*“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”* – **Matthew 5:9, KJV 1611**

This verse, part of the Lord’s timeless Beatitudes, reveals the sacred identity of those who carry peace into a fractured world. A true peacemaker is more than a bystander avoiding conflict—they are bridge-builders who step boldly into brokenness, offering understanding, forgiveness, and grace. In a world often ruled by self-interest and division, Jesus lifts up those who bring harmony as ones who reflect the very heart of God.

Their reward is not just peace among men, but divine recognition: *they shall be called the children of God.* Just as Jesus bore the cross to reconcile humanity to the Father, those who strive for peace mirror the Son’s mission. Whether quieting strife in a household, fostering reconciliation in a congregation, or standing between divided hearts, the peacemaker’s work becomes a living echo of Christ’s love. Their identity as God's children isn’t a mere title—it’s a likeness revealed in their every act of grace.

So let us rise to this sacred calling. Let us seek peace. Speak peace. *Be* peace. In doing so, we honor our Maker and show the world what it means to belong to His family. May our lives reflect His calm in the troubles of life, His gentleness amid noise, and His healing where there is pain. For in living as peacemakers, we walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace Himself.

-------

Jesus is called the *Prince of Peace* in **Isaiah 9:6**, a prophetic verse often read during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The verse in the **1611 King James Version** reads:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall bee upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

This powerful passage foretells the coming of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—and highlights His divine titles. “Prince of Peace” speaks to His mission of reconciliation: bringing peace between God and humanity, and offering inner peace to all who trust in Him.

-----

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025© AnnaBenMBMPFamSSPMPBKB<RMNM

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

“The Tears of the Peacemaker”

In the quiet hills of Kentucky, where the grass bends like bowed heads beneath the morning dew, an old church bell rang low and lonely.** Inside, twelve-year-old Elijah sat alone in a creaky pew, his fists clenched. His father had just been deployed. His uncle, who once taught Sunday school, now burned with bitterness toward the world—and told Elijah, “Peacemakers just get walked on.” Elijah didn’t argue, but he wondered why his heart hurt more after hearing that.

That evening, Elijah stumbled upon an old prayer journal tucked in the corner of the church library.** It belonged to Sister Mae, a forgotten elder with gnarled hands and a voice like oak roots—quiet, deep, steady. She had once written: *“A peacemaker doesn’t avoid battle… he walks into it with heaven in his eyes.”* Elijah wept. Not loud. Just quiet tears that dripped onto the fragile pages like rain on dry ground.

The next week, two boys fought behind the school gym. Words like blades. Fists like hammers.** Elijah stood there, trembling. Then something in him cracked open. He stepped between them—not with shouts, but with a whisper: “This isn’t who you are.” At first, they stared. Then one dropped his fists. The other turned away. And peace—fragile as glass, real as breath—settled between them. Elijah didn’t walk away proud. He walked away changed.

At Sunday service, his uncle asked why his knuckles were bruised. Elijah smiled. “I stopped someone from getting worse ones.”** His uncle didn’t laugh. But he didn’t scoff, either. Instead, he watched Elijah from across the room while the choir sang, *“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”* His fingers tapped along, slow and thoughtful. A small thaw.

Because that’s the secret, isn’t it? Peacemakers don’t always wear halos or robes—they wear bruises and backaches, prayers and purpose.** They are not weak. They are the storm’s anchor. The flame in the fog. And according to Jesus Himself—they are called not by titles, but by blood: *the children of God.*

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025© AnnaBenMBMPFamSSPMPBKB<RMNM

----

“The King Who Whispers Peace”

A poem for a child’s heart

There once was a King with kind, quiet eyes,

Who came to the world beneath stormy skies.

But He didn’t wear armor, or shout when He spoke—

He whispered peace, and the darkness broke.

He walked on the waves when the sea turned wild,

And held out His hand to every child.

When people were fighting, He knelt in the sand,

And drew love in the dust with His gentle hand.

His crown wasn’t gold—it was made out of thorns,

To heal all our hurts, our fears, and our storms.

He could have called angels to win every war…

But instead, He brought peace to our hearts evermore.

So when you feel scared, or angry, or small,

Remember the King who sees it all.

He doesn’t always change the things that we see—

But He whispers, *“Take heart… you have peace, through Me.”

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025© AnnaBenMBMPFamSSPMPBKB<RMNM

[Verse melody]

(F) Who came to the world (G) beneath stormy skies.

(Em) He whispered His love in the (Am) heart of the night,

(F) And the world felt His (G) peace, soft and (C) bright.

[Bridge melody]

(F) He calmed the wind, He (C) stilled the rain,

(Am) He comforted my (G) fear and pain.

(F) So close your eyes, don’t (C) be afraid,

(Am) His peace is near—

(F) He’s here—

(G) He stays.

[Final Line]

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025© AnnaBenMBMPFamSSPMPBKB<RMNM

Monday, June 16, 2025

Devotion: “Rooted in Grace, Not Envy"

🌳 **Devotion: “Rooted in Grace, Not Envy”**

*Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Charity envieth not.”*

**Opening Thought:**

Just like a tree needs deep, healthy roots to grow strong, our hearts need to be rooted in God’s love to bear fruit. But when envy, bitterness, and comparison take root, our joy withers. This devotion helps us name those “root sins” and surrender them to the One who gives grace instead.

---

**Scripture Seeds – From the KJV 1611:**

1. **1 Corinthians 13:4**

> *“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”*

This verse shows what love looks like when God is at the center. Envy has no place where true love abides.

2. **Proverbs 14:30**

> *“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”*

Envy doesn’t just hurt others—it drains *us*. It’s like poison hiding deep in the root system.

3. **James 3:16**

> *“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”*

Jealousy brings chaos, not peace. God wants better for His children.

4. **Genesis 37:4** (Joseph’s story)

> *“And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.”*

Jealousy destroyed peace in Joseph’s family, but God would later redeem it all.

---

**Reflection Prompts (Optional Writing or Prayer Activity):**

- What “jealous thoughts” have I been hiding in my heart like tangled roots?

- What truth from God’s Word can I plant in its place today?

- How can I celebrate someone else’s blessings without comparing myself?

---

**Prayer:**

*Heavenly Father, uproot every bit of envy, bitterness, and comparison growing in me. I want to be a tree planted by the rivers of Your grace, bearing fruit in love, joy, and peace. Help me to rejoice with others and trust that You have a good plan for me, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*

🌳 **Devotion Handout: “Rooted in Grace”**
*Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Charity envieth not.” (KJV 1611)*

Truth from the Trunk:**
God’s love—*true charity*—is strong, steady, and never jealous. His love doesn’t envy what others have. Instead, it celebrates, forgives, and uplifts.

> *“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not…”*
> — *1 Corinthians 13:4*

Uproot the Roots**
Look at the roots on your coloring page:
- *Envy* (wanting what someone else has)
- *Comparison* (measuring your worth against others)
- *Bitterness* (resenting someone’s blessings)

Ask:
➤ Which of these roots do I sometimes let grow in my heart?
➤ How does it feel when someone else is blessed?
➤ What would happen if I celebrated others instead of comparing?

🌼 **Grow the Good Fruit**
God wants us to bloom with blessings:

> *“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”*
> — *Proverbs 14:30*

Instead of rottenness, let’s grow things like:
- *Gratitude*
- *Forgiveness*
- *Kindness*
- *Joy*

🙏 **Prayer to Plant Grace**
As you color the branches of your tree, pray for God to help you bloom with grace instead of grumbling.

*Lord, I don’t want to live with jealousy in my heart.
Uproot my envy, bitterness, and comparison.
Help me grow in love, like a tree planted by Your waters.
Let my life show patience, kindness, and joy.
Thank You for loving me and teaching me how to love others, too. Amen.*

Susan Y Nikitenko June 16th, 2025©
MpMBAnnaBen KBRMNMPBPMCT

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Pray - Devotion And Activities

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Walking On The Water - Activities

Cut And Chart

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things

hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Make a smaller copy of your coloring page:

color it:

cut it out:

paste it with your clue stick.

Shrink Down The Coloring Pages

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Watching For Grandma - Activity Ideas

Younger Ages

Showing Patience And Respect

Discussion

Showing Impatience Sometimes or Can...

. cause accidents

. cause needless mistakes

.cause us to get in a hurry and do a job halfway.

.make others angry

.causes you to become discontent

.causes others to become upset

.shows a lack of self-control

.causes you to lose your manners

.be selfish, willful and disrespectful

.it causes us to lose our testimony

.stirs up attitudes and causes fights

.causes us to run ahead of God's will.

.causes us to worry.

.shows a lack of faith.

Makeup sentences that explain these things happening in a pretend situation.

( Example)

Jenny got in a hurry because she wanted a cookie and burnt her hand

while grandma was pulling them out of the oven.

Color your picture then

cut out the picture on

your coloring page. Paste it

onto the verse page.

Print the coloring page smaller to make sure it fits

on the verse page.

We will be talking about showing respect and patience to

each other.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall

strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Apple Devotion

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Choir Practice

Matthew 7:12 - 13
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

A Just Balance

Devotion:

Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Devotion: Spilled Orange Juice

Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Book Report

Exodus 4:10-12

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Devotion Campfires

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Homework Assignment Devotional

Genesis 2:19
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Morning Frost - Devotion

Proverbs 4:25
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Search This Blog

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts…” — Psalm 51:6 (KJV)

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Confession

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Praise

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Dependence

🌟 Bless Him With Honest Living

🌟 A Simple Prayer

©2026 Susan Barker Nikitenko — MBGeoANNABENPBKBMNRMPM #1001 bs

Monday, March 23, 2026

“Let your light so shine before men…” — Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

🌟 1. Bless Him With Obedience

🌟 2. Bless Him With Compassion

🌟 3. Bless Him With Faithfulness

🌟 4. Bless Him With Praise in Motion

🌟 A Simple Prayer

Sunday, March 1, 2026

This Work Sheet Is for This Lesson Only

God Made the Snowy Owl: Devotion Goes with Story or Alone

God Made the Snowy Owl: A Devotion on Creation and Salvation

Wonder That Leads to Worship

Small Reminders of a Great God

A Holy Moment in the North

The Greatest Wonder: The God Who Made the Owl Also Died to Save Us

A Beautiful Invitation to Christ

A Closing Prayer

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Devotional Story: “The Pink Umbrella and the Promise”

Supporting Scriptures (KJV)

Tip of the Day

Prayer

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

🕵️‍♂️ The Case of the Missing Joy

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Monday, June 16, 2025

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Monday, February 19, 2018

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Friday, January 20, 2017

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Monday, January 16, 2017

ATTENTION!

Share